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I'm completly ignorant when it comes to networking which is why I was hoping someone could help me out in a easy to understand guide  ;D

Heres the situation, we just got a new comp with Vista Home Premium, and this comp: XP Pro.  
They both connect to the internet via a router.

I'd like to know how to link the two, so that we can both use the printer, look at files, copy things from one to the other, etc.

Do we need to get new hardware to get this to work? Not sure.  I've used the Help and Support feature, and tried random things, but nothing really makes sense.   I've tried the Network Setup Wizard, but it doesn't seem to like the XP to Vista transition.

Any help is incredibly appreciated

There are a couple of methods. The simplest and most reliable (and fastest communications wise) is to get a couple of network cards and a cable.
Over what distance do you want to network (affects the type of method used)? What kind of speed do you want? How much are you willing to spend?

Ozzy (network nutter) 8-)

I'm assuming that you already have network cards installed if you are already using the gateway router/dsl modem?  Get a network switch...... probably 5 port or so will do.    Plug the two computers into the switch along with the dsl modem.  Go to each of the computers and give them the same workgroup name.  Then try running the network setup wizard again.

On XP alone this setup is a snap.... maybe this is yet another VISTA snafu.


best,

...................john

[quote]I'm completly ignorant when it comes to networking which is why I was hoping someone could help me out in a easy to understand guide

I would like to add to what was posted above about security.

If you use a name for your Windows boot othewr than: ADMINISTRATOR the true Administrator password and username is not in the account at Windows boot but set ONLY in SAFE MODE.

If a system has an account in Windows named, in example: Frank

Go to Settings->Control Panel->Network Connections

If you have the side bar thingy, there should be something like 'Create a Home or Small Office Network'.
Run through that wizard, giving your office a name, and giving your computer a name.
When that's finished, simply do the same on the other computer, making sure the Workspace name is the same.

Once the network is set up, for a computer to use another's printer, go to the 'Add Printer' wizard on the printerless computer.  Go through that, making sure you chose 'Network Printer', find the correct printer, then let your computer install the neccesary drivers.

As for file sharing, right-click any folder in your computer, even a Hard Disk, and go to Properties.  Click on the sharing tab, and select share this folder with other computers, give the shared folder a name for the Network, then click apply, then wait a moment, or three.

This method is what I have going on at home, and it works great.  Though I hear its not secure.  So, one of the other pros'll probably tell you what to do.